Pulsar Measurement IMP Lite User manual

IMP Lite
Instruction Manual

2

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
3
IMP Lite (SECOND EDITION REV 1)
April 2021
Part Number M-082-0-002-1P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Measurement, 2012-21. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form without the written permission of Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery
that it will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Process
Measurement Limited if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the
defect not being due to unfair wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident,
misapplication or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Measurement neither gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product and shall
have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Measurement
cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves
the right to amend technical details, as necessary.
The IMP Lite shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may
not be representative of the actual IMP Lite supplied.
CONTACT
For technical support, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
If you have any comments or suggestions about this product, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
Pulsar Measurement website: www.pulsarmeasurement.com
United States
11451 Belcher Road South
Largo,
FL 33773
888-473-9546
Canada
16456 Sixsmith Drive
Long Sault, Ont.
K0C 1P0
855-300-9151
United Kingdom
Cardinal Building, Enigma
Commercial Centre
Sandy’s Road, Malvern
WR14 1JJ
00 44 (0)1684 891371

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CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Start Here… ...........................................................................................................6
About this Manual ...............................................................................................................6
About the IMP Lite...............................................................................................................7
Product Specification..........................................................................................................8
EU Declaration of Conformity .........................................................................................9
Chapter 2 Installation........................................................................................................... 10
Unpacking............................................................................................................................10
Power Supply Requirements......................................................................................... 10
Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 11
Cable Entry...........................................................................................................................14
Preparation for Operation ............................................................................................. 15
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 3 How To Use Your IMP Lite ............................................................................16
Operating the Controls...................................................................................................16
Using the Menu System .................................................................................................18
Parameter Defaults........................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 4 Getting Results From Your IMP Lite.......................................................... 20
Setting up Your Application.......................................................................................... 20
Using the 4-20 mA Output............................................................................................20
Setting Security Passcodes............................................................................................ 21
Resetting Factory Defaults............................................................................................. 22
Checking the Information Specific to your IMP Lite ...........................................22
Using the RS232 Serial Interface................................................................................. 22
Chapter 5 Parameter Listing and Descriptions .......................................................... 23
Parameter Listing .............................................................................................................. 23
Application (APP) Menu .................................................................................................23
Volume (UoL) Menu......................................................................................................... 25
Display (DiSP) Menu......................................................................................................... 30
mA Output (LOOP) Menu .............................................................................................. 31
Compensation (CoP) Menu........................................................................................... 32

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P860 Sound Velocity........................................................................................................33
Stability (StA) Menu ......................................................................................................... 34
System (SyS1) Menu ........................................................................................................ 34
Test (tESt) Menu ................................................................................................................ 35
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting................................................................................................ 36
Chapter 7 Disposal ................................................................................................................ 37
Transducers ......................................................................................................................... 37
Controllers............................................................................................................................ 37

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 1: START HERE…
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar IMP Lite Level Monitoring
System. This quality system has been developed over many years and
represents the latest in high technology ultrasonic level measurement and
control.
It has been designed to give you years of trouble-free performance, and a
few minutes spent reading this operating manual will ensure that your
installation is as simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation and
operation. There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help
or information as shown.
Tips
TIP: Look for this icon throughout your Pulsar Measurement manual to
find helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions .
Additional Information
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific things in more detail.

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About the IMP Lite
Functional Description
The IMP Lite level monitoring system is a highly developed ultrasonic level
measurement system which provides non-contacting level measurement for
a wide variety of applications in both liquids and solids.
Easy calibration and maintenance free “fit and forget” means that you can
install the IMP Lite Level Monitoring System rapidly and with confidence.
The IMP Lite operates on the principle of timing the echo received from a
measured pulse of sound transmitted in air and utilises “state of the art”
echo extraction technology. The IMP Lite comes in three models:
•Lite 3 with a range from 0.20m (0.66 feet) to 3.00m (9.84 feet).
•Lite 6 with a range of 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 6.00m (19.69 feet).
•Lite 10 with a range of 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 10.00m (32.81 feet).
The IMP Lite can show level, space, distance, on the display. There is an
isolated 4-20 mA output that can be connected to a remote chart recorder
or PLC, to monitor level, space or distance, dependant on the measurement
mode selected, and provides a ‘fault condition’ alarm of either 3.5mA or
22mA.
The IMP Lite lid has an integral LCD display and 4 buttons which are used for
programming purposes when in Program Mode and as hot keys providing
additional information whilst in Run Mode.

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Product Specification
PHYSICAL
Dimensions
O/A height186mm x O/A diameter 133mm (5.24” x
7.32”)
Mounting
1.5” BSP/NPT (IMP3 and 6 models) 2” BSP/NPT
(IMP10)
Weight
Nominal 1 kg
Cable entry detail
2 off cable glands 4.5 –10mm. (torque to 2NM)
ENVIRONMENTAL
IP Rating (Wall)
IP67
Max. & min. temperature
(Ambient)
-40ºC to +65ºC (-4ºF to 149ºF)
Max. & min. temperature
(Transducer)
-40ºC to +85ºC (-4ºF to 176ºF)
CE Approval
See EU Declaration of Conformity
PERFORMANCE
Beam angle (-3dB half power)
<10° inclusive
Operating frequency
Lite 3 125kHz, Lite 6 75kHz, Lite 10 41kHz
Range
Lite 3 0.2 –3m (0.66 –10ft)
Lite 6 0.3 –6m (0.98 –20ft)
Lite 10 0.3 –10m (0.98 –33ft)
Current output
3.5 –22mA
Accuracy
± 0.25% or 6mm (0.24 inches) whichever is greater
Resolution
± 0.1% or 2mm (0.08inches) whichever is greater
4-20mA output
Resolution 5µA
Temperature compensation
Via internal temperature sensor (± 0.5°C accuracy)
Response time
Power up to stable reading = 10 seconds
PROGRAMMING
PC Programming
Via RJ11 port to RS232 using IMP PC software
On-board programming
Via 4 button keypad and a 4-digit LCD display
SUPPLY
Power supply
11 - 30V DC
Pulsar Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and
improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

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EU Declaration of Conformity

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The IMP Lite operates from a DC supply of 11 –30V and will typically draw
less than 0.06A.
The compact one-piece construction of the IMP Lite can be mounted easily
using the integral nose thread (1.5" or 2" BSP/ NPT, dependent on model).
When choosing a location to mount the Imp, bear in mind the following:
•For access to the LCD display and programming buttons it is
recommended that you mount it in an area which is easily accessible.
•The ultrasonic signal path should be free of falling material and
obstructions such as pipes, beams etc.
•The IMP 3 should be mounted at least 20cm (0.66 feet) above the
maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to the surface.
Whilst the IMP 6 and 10 should be mounted at least 30cm (0.98 feet)
above the maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to the
surface.
•The ambient temperature is between -20ºC and 65ºC.
•There should be no high voltage cables or electrical inverters close by.
Important Notice
All shipping cartons should be opened carefully. When using a box cutter,
do not plunge the blade deeply into the box, as it could potentially cut or
scratch equipment components. Carefully remove equipment from each
carton, checking it against the packing list before discarding any packing
material. If there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to the
equipment, report it immediately to Pulsar Measurement.
Important Notice
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic shock, so follow
proper grounding procedures during installation.

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Dimensions
The dimensions of the IMP Lite are shown below:
1” BSP/NPT – IMP Lite 3 & 6
2” BSP/NPT – IMP Lite 10

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation
The IMP Lite can be simply mounted on a bracket, suitable for the
application and secured using the thread located at the top of the
transducer (2"BSP/NPT).
Care should be taken to ensure that the IMP Lite is not installed in direct
sunlight, to avoid errors in the measurement of ambient temperature.
Attention should also be taken, when mounting the unit, to ensure that
strong windy conditions are avoided, wherever possible, to prevent
abnormal operation.
“L” should as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the table above
but can be greater if required.
Closed Vessel Installation
“L” should as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the table above but
can be greater if required. The IMP Lite can be simply screwed into a flange
and secured using the thread located at the top of the transducer (1.5" or
2"BSP/ NPT, dependent on model).
Where possible use a flange made of a synthetic material such as PVC, in
cases where a metal flange is used it is advisable to fit a suitable gasket
between the flange of the IMP Lite and the connection to the vessel.
IMP MODEL
RANGE
L = BLANKING
Lite 3
3 metres
(9.84 feet)
200mm
(0.66 feet)
Lite 6
6 metres
(19.69 feet)
300mm
(0.98 feet)
Lite 10
10 metres
(32.18 feet)
300mm
(0.98 feet)

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Standpipe installations
When mounting the IMP Lite to a standpipe care should be taken to ensure
that the standpipe is of sufficient diameter with reference to its length, see
the table below for details:
When using a standpipe, fixed to the top of a vessel, ensure that the open
end of the standpipe is clear of any obstructions such as weld seams,
gaskets etc. to avoid unwanted signal returns.
If using standpipes which extend into the vessel, beyond the blanking
distance, but not as far as the empty level, then the open end of the
standpipe should be cut to an angle of 45o.
DIA. (D)
L = BLANKING
mm
inches
mm
inches
80
3
220
8
100
4
300
12
150
6
420
16
200
8
560
22
Important Notice
If the equipment is installed or used in a manner not specified in this
manual, then the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
The maximum level
(100% of Span), is
inside the blanking
distance
Pipe should be
free of
obstructions such
as weld seams
Correct standpipe
installation

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Cable Entry
The IMP Lite Series has two M16 cable entries, fitted with a suitable gland, to
ensure moisture protection is maintained.
Terminal Connection Details
Wiring details are also given on the terminals under the access cover.
Terminal Connections
Terminal 1 + ve: Direct Current (DC) input (11-30VDC)
Terminal 2 - ve: Current Output (4-20mA)

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Loop Resistance
The maximum cable resistance allowable can be calculated from the graph
below. For example, if an IMP Lite were supplied from a 24VDC, the
maximum total cable resistance is 590 ohms, for a typical 77 ohm /km cable
this would mean a maximum cable length of 590/77 = 7.6km, remember this
is the total cable resistance, so this figure must be divided by 2 to give 3.8km
max distance.
Maximum cable resistance vs supply voltage for 2 wire mode.
Preparation for Operation
Before switching on, check the following:
•The IMP Lite is mounted correctly.
•The power supply is correctly installed.
Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts inside your IMP Lite if you experience
any problems with the unit, then please contact Pulsar Process Measurement
for advice.
Allowable totalcable resistance for Loop-
powered IMP
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Supply Voltage
Total Cable resistance
Important Notice
If the equipment is installed or used in a manner not specified in this
manual, then the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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To clean the equipment, wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use any solvents on
the enclosure.
CHAPTER 3 HOW TO USE YOUR IMP LITE
Operating the Controls
Display
Whilst in the Run Mode, the 4-digit LCD, by default, will display the current
level reading in metres, the display will also alternate between the reading
and “LOE” when a fault condition (Loss of Echo) is detected. When in the
Program Mode the display is used to read information on the Menu Options
and the values entered.
There are two operating modes for your IMP Lite, Run Mode and Program
Mode.
Run Mode
This mode is used once the IMP Lite has been set up in program mode. It is
also the default mode that the unit reverts to when it resumes operation
after a power failure. When the IMP Lite is switched on for the first time, it
will display, in P104 Measurement Units, the distance from the transducer
face to the target.
Program Mode
This mode is used to set up the IMP Lite or change information already set,
this is achieved by using the 4 push buttons located below the display.
Entering a value for each of the menu options that are relevant to your
application provides all the programming information.

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Button Functions
There are 4 push buttons located under the display. Their name and
functions are as follows:
How to Access Program Mode
To access the Program mode, press the “ESC” and “Enter” button
simultaneously, where upon the display will show PASS on the LCD display
briefly, to prompt you to enter the password, the display will now show
0000, and the left-hand digit will flash.
By using the UP and DOWN keys to increment or decrement the digit, and
the ENTER key to shift the flashing digit to the next position. Assuming the
passcode is the default 1997, you should then enter this.
The ESC key can be used to go back to the previous digit. Finally, when you
have selected all digits pressing the ENTER key again will input the selected
pass code to the IMP Lite, if successful the display will show APP
(Application). If, however you input the wrong pass code the IMP Lite LCD
display will show Fail for 2 seconds and will revert to run mode.
BUTTON
RUN MODE
PROGRAM MODE
ESC
Displays details of unit
Serial No. and Software
Version
Used to Navigate out of the
Menu System and return to
Run Mode. Also used to Cancel
a Parameter Value entered in
error.
UP
Displays Current
Temperature
Used for Navigating around
Menu System and Increasing
Menu Option Values.
DOWN
Displays Current Echo
Strength (dB’s)
Used for Navigating around
Menu System and Decreasing
Menu Option Values.
ENTER
Displays current mA output
Used to confirm an action such
as entering a Menu Option or
Enter a Parameter Value.

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Using the Menu System
The menu system has been designed to make the changing of parameters
very simple. Once in the Program Mode the display will show a line of text
that displays the menu system. Pressing the Up and Down buttons will scroll
the display between the menu items, (as shown below, starting at APP).
As you press the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll left and right between the
menu options, you can press ENTER at any time to select a specific menu
which will then take you to the parameters within the selected menu.
Once you have reached the relevant menu, scroll through the parameters,
and enter the necessary information. To enter the information, use the UP
and DOWN keys to increment or decrement the digit, and the ENTER key to
shift the flashing digit to the next position, once you have completed
entering the value required pressing the ENTER button again will save the
value.
When you have finished, press CANCEL to go back to the previous level.
When you have reached the top level, then the IMP Lite will ask for
confirmation before allowing you to go back into run mode. This is done by
pressing ENTER at the display prompt.
APP
(Application)
Uol
(Volume)
DiSP
(Display)
LOOP
(mA Output)
Cop
(Compensation)
SyS1
(System)
tESt
(Test)
StA
(Stability)

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Parameter Defaults
Factory Defaults
When you first switch the IMP Lite on, it will be reading the distance from
the face of the transducer to the material surface. It will be indicating in
P104 Measurement Units, as shown on the display
Once you are satisfied with the installation, and the IMP Lite is reading what
you would expect in terms of distance from the face of the transducer to the
material level, then you can proceed with programming, for the intended
application. It is sensible to program all the required parameters at the same
time. The system will be then set-up.
Note The span is automatically calculated from the empty level, so the empty
level should be entered first.
Important Notice
When first installing the IMP Lite, or subsequently moving or using the
unit on a new application, before proceeding to program the unit for its
intended application it is recommended that you ensure that all
parameters are at their default values by completing a Factory Defaults
P930, as described in Chapter 5 Parameter Guide.
In some applications, it is simplest to empty the vessel, take a
reading from the Imp for distance and then setup the empty level to
this figure.

IMP LITE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 4 GETTING RESULTS FROM YOUR IMP LITE
This chapter explains how to use the various functions of your IMP Lite.
Where specific parameters are used, consult Parameter Guide in Chapter 5.
Setting up Your Application
Empty Distance
Empty Distance (P105) is the distance from the face of the transducer to
the material at the bottom of the vessel.
Span
Span (P106) is the distance from the empty level (0% full) to span (100%
full).
Near and Far Blanking
Near blanking (P107) is the distance from the face of the transducer that
the Imp will not record a level nearer than. A typical reason to increase this
from the default value would be if you wish to ignore close in obstructions.
Far blanking (P108) is the distance (as a percentage of empty level) beyond
the empty level that the Imp will read, the default is plus 20% of empty level.
If you wish to monitor further than the empty level, then increase this
figure, so that the empty level plus the far blanking figure (as % of empty
level) is greater than the surface being measured, within the capability of the
transducer being used.
Using the 4-20 mA Output
The mA output can be used to monitor remotely what the IMP Lite is
showing, so it can be displayed remotely, integrated into a PLC, or used to
generate a record using a chart recorder or similar.
By default, the IMP Lite will provide a 4-20 mA output that represents what
is displayed on the Imp, but these parameters can be overwritten as follows.
By default, the 4-20 mA will represent the empty level (4mA) and 100% of
the operational span (20mA), but you may wish to only represent a section
of the operational span. For example, the application may have an
operational span of 6 metres, but you may only wish to represent empty
level to 5 metres. If so, change P834 (Low Value) to 0, and P835 (High
Value) to 5.0.